Jordan Flag and Meaning
Flag of Jordan
Jordan Flag Meaning
The flag of Jordan is a significant symbol of the country’s history, culture, and identity. It is a tricolored flag with horizontal stripes of black, white, and green, which are separated by narrow red bands. At the hoist side of the flag, there is a red triangle with a seven-pointed white star in its center. This combination of colors and symbols is not only visually striking but also deeply meaningful, reflecting the national values, the Arab heritage, and the Islamic history of Jordan.
The Jordanian flag draws heavily from the Pan-Arab colors, representing the unity of the Arab world and its shared heritage. The red triangle is particularly symbolic, as it represents the Hashemite dynasty, the ruling family of Jordan, which traces its lineage back to the Prophet Muhammad. The seven-pointed star is a reminder of the promises and goals of the Arab people, including unity, independence, and prosperity.
The flag’s design was officially adopted on April 18, 1928, when the Emirate of Transjordan was established, and later it became the national flag of the Kingdom of Jordan in 1946 when it gained independence.
Flag Dimensions and Proportions
The flag of Jordan follows a 1:2 proportion, which means the length of the flag is twice its height. This rectangular shape is common among many national flags and gives the flag a balanced, elongated appearance. The layout is divided into horizontal bands, with three equal stripes—black on top, white in the middle, and green at the bottom. The red triangle, placed at the hoist side, extends halfway across the width of the flag.
The seven-pointed star within the red triangle is centered in the triangle and occupies a significant portion of the hoist-side triangle. This star is the most notable feature of the flag and is carefully placed to draw attention as it represents the aspirations of the Arab world. The flag’s design ensures that the proportions of the stripes and the triangle are equal, giving the flag a harmonious and well-structured look.
Colors of the Flag
The colors of the Jordanian flag are rich in historical and cultural significance. They are drawn from the Pan-Arab colors, which represent a shared Arab identity and a collective vision for the unity and prosperity of Arab nations. These colors are symbolic of key historical events, revolutions, and ideologies that have shaped the Arab world over centuries.
Black
The black color in the Jordanian flag represents the banner of the Abbasid Caliphate, one of the significant Arab dynasties in history. The Abbasid dynasty, which ruled from the 8th to the 13th centuries, is considered a golden era in the history of the Islamic world, especially in terms of intellectual and cultural achievements. The black stripe, therefore, symbolizes the rich legacy of the Arab world and the Islamic civilization that flourished under the Abbasids.
Additionally, black represents the strength, unity, and resilience of the Arab people, reminding Jordanians and Arabs more broadly of their enduring legacy and shared history. This color also evokes the historical context of the Arab Revolt of 1916, during which the Arab flag, featuring black, was used as a symbol of the Arab struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire.
White
The white color in the Jordanian flag represents the banner of the Umayyad Caliphate, another prominent Arab dynasty that ruled from the 7th to the 8th centuries. The Umayyads are remembered for their expansion of the Islamic empire and the establishment of an Islamic state that spanned much of the Middle East and beyond. White also symbolizes peace, purity, and hope, which reflect the aspirations for a peaceful and prosperous future for the people of Jordan and the broader Arab world.
Moreover, white signifies the message of unity and independence. In the Jordanian context, it speaks to the nation’s goals for progress and stability following its independence in 1946, and the broader Arab aspirations for self-determination and unity.
Green
Green is the color that represents the banner of the Fatimid Caliphate, another significant Arab dynasty that ruled over parts of North Africa and the Middle East in the 10th to the 12th centuries. The Fatimids are remembered for their contributions to the arts, sciences, and intellectual pursuits.
Green is also the color most closely associated with Islam, particularly the Prophet Muhammad and the early Islamic community. It is a color that signifies growth, fertility, and renewal. For Jordanians, green represents the country’s agricultural wealth, as well as the promise of a prosperous future built upon stability, peace, and development. It is a symbol of hope and the enduring faith of the Jordanian people.
Red
The red color in the Jordanian flag represents the banner of the Hashemite family, which has ruled Jordan since its establishment as a kingdom. The Hashemites are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, and their connection to Islam and Arab history is significant. The red triangle specifically represents the role of the Hashemite monarchy in the foundation of Jordan and its long-standing leadership.
Additionally, red symbolizes the sacrifices made by the Arab people in their struggle for independence, particularly during the Arab Revolt of 1916. The color evokes the revolutionary spirit of the Arab world and its commitment to self-rule and freedom from colonial powers.
Symbols on the Flag
The Jordanian flag features a powerful symbolic combination of elements, each contributing to the flag’s representation of the country’s national identity, Arab heritage, and Islamic history.
The Red Triangle
The red triangle at the hoist side of the flag is one of the most distinctive features of the Jordanian flag. The triangle represents the Hashemite dynasty, which has ruled Jordan since its establishment. The Hashemites are descendants of the Prophet Muhammad and are deeply revered in the Arab world. The red color of the triangle is symbolic of the sacrifices made during the Arab Revolt, which aimed at securing Arab independence from the Ottoman Empire.
The triangle’s position at the hoist side also gives the flag a sense of forward motion, as if to signify Jordan’s continual progress and aspirations for the future.
The Seven-Pointed Star
The white, seven-pointed star in the center of the red triangle is a key symbol in the Jordanian flag. The seven points of the star are believed to represent the seven hills of Amman, the capital city of Jordan. These hills are a significant geographical feature and symbolize the strength and unity of the people of Jordan. The seven points also represent the promise of the Arab nation for a unified and prosperous future.
The seven-pointed star is not just a geographical symbol; it also stands for the seven pillars of Jordanian society, including peace, justice, freedom, unity, strength, prosperity, and faith. The star embodies the collective aspirations of the Jordanian people and their commitment to these core values.
Cultural and National Identity
The flag of Jordan is a powerful representation of the nation’s identity, deeply rooted in the country’s history, culture, and religious values. The symbolism of the colors, the star, and the triangle all reflect key aspects of Jordanian and Arab heritage, from the Islamic history of the Arab world to the role of the Hashemite monarchy and the ongoing aspirations for peace, unity, and prosperity.
Arab Heritage and Unity
The Pan-Arab colors—black, white, green, and red—have been used to represent the unity of the Arab nations for many years. These colors emerged during the Arab Revolt of 1916 and became a symbol of the Arabs’ fight for independence from the Ottoman Empire. For Jordanians, the colors are not only a representation of their own struggle for independence but also a symbol of solidarity with other Arab nations, particularly as the country continues to play a role in regional affairs.
The flag thus embodies the shared identity and heritage of the Arab world, with its focus on unity and collective progress. It reminds Jordanians of their common bonds with neighboring Arab nations and their long history of cultural exchange and cooperation.
The Hashemite Legacy
The Hashemite dynasty is a defining aspect of Jordan’s identity. The red triangle and the family’s connection to the Prophet Muhammad are central to the flag’s symbolism. The Hashemites have played a vital role in Jordan’s establishment and development, and their leadership is key to the country’s national identity. The flag honors the contributions of the Hashemite family and affirms their continued role in guiding the nation.
Moreover, the Hashemite legacy connects Jordan to the broader history of the Islamic world, particularly through its historical ties to the Arab Revolt and the struggle for independence. The flag serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Jordan and other Arab nations in their fight for freedom.
Islamic Identity
Jordan is an overwhelmingly Muslim country, and Islam plays a central role in its cultural and national identity. The use of the red triangle and the white seven-pointed star represents not only the nation’s ties to the Hashemite monarchy but also its Islamic roots. The red, green, and white colors are deeply associated with the Arab Islamic heritage and the symbols of the faith.
The flag, therefore, reflects Jordan’s Islamic identity, with the seven-pointed star representing the country’s adherence to the principles of Islam, and the colors symbolizing the unity and strength of the Arab and Muslim world.
National Unity and Sovereignty
At the core of the flag’s design is a deep commitment to Jordan’s sovereignty, unity, and independence. The red triangle symbolizes the Jordanian monarchy and its role in preserving the country’s independence, while the seven-pointed star represents the strength of the nation’s people and their aspirations for a prosperous future. The white, black, and green stripes evoke the ideals of unity and the Arab world’s shared history, reminding Jordanians of their place in the broader Arab community.
The flag also serves as a reminder of Jordan’s enduring commitment to peace and its central role in fostering regional stability. In recent decades, Jordan has been a significant player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, and the flag stands as a symbol of the nation’s dedication to peaceful coexistence and cooperation with its neighbors.
Jordan Overview
| Population | 4.9 million |
| currency | Jordanian Dinars |
| Area | 97,740 km² |
| Capital city | Amman |
| Population density | 50.1 residents/km² |
| HDI location | 82 |
The country is made up of three-quarters of a plain at a height of 6-900 meters, which is part of the Arabian desert. The western part of the plain is intersected by a series of canyons, and here the Rift fault begins, cutting through the Red Sea and ending residents East Africa. residents addition, these canyons have become the valley of the Jordan River and the recess that today constitutes the Dead Sea. The area is suitable for agriculture. The climate is mainland climate, except for the outlet residents the Red Sea, which is moderated by the winds from the sea. Most of the country is covered by dry steppe, and agricultural production is limited here. Wheat, rye and citrus fruits are the most important crops. Cattle farming with sheep and goats exists. The most serious environmental problem is the lack of water.
Monarchy with severely limited democratic structures, supported by the EU and the US.
The people: The majority of the population today is of Palestinian origin. They fled to the country after the wars with Israel residents 1948 and 1967. The country’s indigenous population is indigenous Bedouins, organized into 20 large tribes, a third of whom continue to live half a century. There is a small minority of 100,000 Caucasians who came to the country residents the 19th century. Today they play an important role residents trade and administration.
Religion: Muslims (predominantly Sunnis) 92%, Christians 8%.
Languages: Arabic (official), English
Political parties: residents March 1993, the government recognized the existence of political parties. The most important are: the National Constitutional Party (a coalition of 9 parties); Islamic Action Front (Al-Jabhat al-Amal al-Islami), Shiite-oriented; Jordan’s Communist Party; Jordan’s Arab Baath Socialist Party.
Social Organizations: Jordan’s Professional Country Association. The Union of Jordanian Women has participated residents the democratization process and residents the defense of women’s political rights.
Official Name: Al-Mamlaka al-Urduniya al-Hashimiya.
Administrative division: 12 provinces
Capital: Amman, 2,000,000 (2008).
Other important cities: Irbid, 537,600 residents; Zarka (Az-Zarqa), 471,200 residents; as-Salt, 64,000 residents; Russeifa, 184,300 residents (2000).
Government: Abdullah II has been king since February 1999; Hani Al-Mulki has been Prime Minister since June 2016. The Parliament (National Assembly) has two chambers: the Senate with 40 members appointed by the King, and the Chamber of Deputies with 80 members elected but which can, however, be dissolved by the King.
National Day: May 25 (Independence Day, 1946)
Armed Forces: 98,650 Soldiers (1996).
Paramilitary forces: 6,000 employees of the Ministry of Public Security; 200,000 members of the “People’s Militia”; 3,000 Palestinians are members of the PLO, but are under the supervision of the Jordanian army.
